NSW to target Slater’s shoulder
Billy Slater’s suspect shoulder is set to be given its sternest test since his return to the NRL with NSW intent on harassing Queensland’s No 1 at every opportunity in his State of Origin return.
Left out of the Maroons’ Origin I caning – due in part to concerns over his perceived hesitancy in defence after almost two years out of the game – Slater is bracing for a torrid reception from the Blues, who have identified his injury as a focal point on Wednesday night.
NSW relentlessly bombed the axed Corey Oates in game one, but won’t be afraid to direct their aerial raids at either Slater or Queensland debutant Valentine Holmes to stifle their ability to build a head of steam on kick returns at ANZ Stadium.
Asked whether roughing Slater up could work, NSW skipper Boyd Cordner said: ‘‘I suppose it can. In Origins in the past, where NSW has done well against Billy is they’ve got down there on Billy – the kick-chase has been awesome – and really got into [him].
‘‘We’ve talked to the halves and the halves know how big a job they’ve got with their kicking game, especially out here.
‘‘It’s normally a bit dewy anyway. Turn them around and getting a good kick-chase to try to get us in good field position [will help] to limit [Slater’s] opportunities in his half.
‘‘Origin is a physical game so we’ll be going out there with the same mindset as always no matter
New South Wales v Queensland, Origin II 10pm tonight at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Referees: Matt Cecchin and Gerard Sutton.
NSW $1.65, Queensland $2.15. Head to head: NSW 49 wins, Queensland 58 wins, 2 draws. New South Wales: James Tedesco, Blake Ferguson, Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Aaron Woods, Nathan Peats, Andrew Fifita, Josh Jackson, Boyd Cordner (c), Tyson Frizell. Interchange: David Klemmer, Wade Graham, Jake Trbojevic, Jack Bird.
Billy Slater, Valentine Holmes, Will Chambers, Darius Boyd, Dane Gagai, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Dylan Napa, Cameron Smith (c), Jarrod Wallace, Gavin Cooper, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire. Interchange: Michael Morgan, Josh Papalii, Coen Hess, Tim Glasby. who is wearing the No.1 for them.’’
Slater is yet to commit to playing beyond this year given his torturous road back to the top, potentially paving the way for 2017 to be the last Origin series for him, Johnathan Thurston and Storm teammate Cooper Cronk. And it appears the Blues don’t want to make it one to remember.
How NSW limit Slater’s time with the ball won’t be finalised until coach Laurie Daley consults Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney at Tuesday’s captain’s run at ANZ Stadium, but Cordner admitted the series-chasing Blues would be foolish to pour all their energy into the Melbourne ace and the fit-again Thurston.
And so Queensland would be too, to paint a pronounced target on the back of Origin I wrecking ball Andrew Fifita.